It’s time to start paying attention

SOMETIMES the best jazz moments are those that are the most unexpected. Bassist Morrie Louden arrived at Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday night with very little fanfare. He’s based in Las Vegas, and plays occasionally in New York City, but his visibility has been minimal leading up to the recent release of his CD, “Time Piece.”

All that should change if Louden’s music receives the attention it deserves. His performance Tuesday, for which he was backed by pianist Mike Eckroth, saxophonist Bob Sheppard and drummer Jimmy Branly, was a startling burst of energy from an explosive jazz talent.

Louden’s virtuosity was apparent from the opening piece, a melodically disjunct original titled “Verbatim.” Immediately establishing an irresistibly propulsive groove, he set the stage for a probing set of choruses by Sheppard, following with his own finger-blurring solo.

Other pieces were equally inventive. On “Facade,” the Cuban-born Branly established a roiling, fundamental rhythm playing the cajon (box drum), while Louden played a solo juxtaposing his characteristically rapid string lines with interspersed percussive accents on the wood panels of his instrument.

Pianist Eckroth -- who combined superb backing with a series of hard-swinging choruses -- brought his lyrical touch to Louden’s gentlest piece, “Ricello.” The final number, “624 Main St.” was a tour de force for all the players.

But if Louden’s impressive bass work was the unquestioned showcase item, it was the constantly appealing qualities of his compositions, combined with the creative interaction between his first-rate musical associates, that took the performance well beyond the pale. Louden has several more Southland dates before he returns to Sin City. He should be heard.

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Morrie Louden

Where: Holly Street Bar and Grill, 175 E. Holly St., Pasadena

When: 7 tonight

Contact: (626) 440-1421

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